American track star, Sha’ Carri Richardson has apologized to those she has disappointed because of her failed drug test. The 21-year-old, who was seen as a major contender for the Olympic gold in the 100 metres was disqualified after she tested positive for marijuana.

According to USADA, marijuana is a prohibited substance because it can enhance performance, poses a health risk to athletes and its use violates the spirit of the sport.

“I’d like to say to my fans and my family, and my sponsorship, and to the haters too…I apologize… as much as I’m disappointed I know that I don’t represent myself, I represent a community that has shown me great support, great love, and I failed y’all,” Richardson said during an interview with NBC on Friday morning.

She said the the use of the drug was her way of coping with the unexpected death of her biological mother who had abandoned her as a child.

“It sent me into a state of emotional panic,” she said, adding, “I didn’t know how to control my emotions or deal with my emotions during that time. I apologize for the fact that I need to know how to control my emotions or deal with my emotions during that time.”

Richardson used the interview to vow that she will never use performance-enhancing drugs and asked not to be judged for this mistake. “I wanna be as transparent as possible with you guys, whether it’s good, whether it’s bad, but when it comes to Sha’Carri Richardson, it’s never been a steroid, there will never be a steroid attached to the name Sha’Carri Richardson,” she said.

‘Don’t judge me’

She added; “Don’t judge me, because I am human, I just happen to run a little faster.”

Richardson has been trending on social media since news broke about her failed drug test. And while she hasn’t joined in on the conversation about her on any of the platforms, she’s obviously been seeing some of the opinions.

“There’s gonna be people that still have something to say that don’t necessarily understand, and I wouldn’t even call them haters. If they wanna choose to show their character of person even after me saying what I’ve said and putting myself out there then that’s just on you and your character, and you’ll have to live with that,” she said.

Adding; “But I greatly appreciate being able to tell my side of the story.”

In the meantime, Richardson said she’ll be keeping her Olympic dreams alive.

“I just wanna let y’all know that this will be the last time the Olympics don’t see Sha’Carri Richardson, and this will be the last time the US doesn’t come home with the gold medal in the 100m,” she said.

“This is just one games, I’m 21, I’m very young, unlike most I have plenty of games left in me to compete in and I have plenty of talent that backs me up. Everything I do comes to me naturally, no steroids or anything. So after my sanction is up, I will be back and able to compete.”